Modern plays don't really use a chorus, the way Greek plays once did, but do we see any individual characters in The Crucible who are voicing what the audience may be thinking and feeling? If so who? How do you know?

Answer 1

In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," while there is no explicit chorus like in Greek plays, there are indeed characters that serve as a voice for the audience's thoughts and emotions. One character who fulfills this role is John Proctor.

John Proctor is portrayed as a rational and morally upright character throughout the play, often questioning the motives and actions of those around him. He is one of the few individuals who acknowledges the hysteria and injustice of the witch trials from the beginning. Proctor openly challenges the court's authority and exposes the motivations of the young girls who are accusing innocent people, realizing the detrimental consequences of these false accusations.

Proctor's internal conflict and moral dilemma mirror the audience's concern and unease regarding the oppressive atmosphere in Salem. He serves as a voice of reason, a character who sees through the madness and attempts to expose the truth. Proctor's final decision to sacrifice his own life in order to preserve his integrity and stand against the unjust system resonates with the audience's desire for justice and fairness.

Additionally, Reverend Hale can be seen as another character who voices the audience's thoughts and feelings to some extent. Initially, Hale fervently believes in the existence of witchcraft and has an unwavering faith in the court's proceedings. However, as the play progresses, Hale starts to question the validity of the accusations and the methods employed. He becomes increasingly skeptical and critical of the court, representing the audience's growing realization of the hysteria and its negative consequences.

The presence of these characters in the play, their skepticism, and their attempts to uncover the truth give voice to what the audience may be thinking and feeling. They serve as vehicles for the playwright to express the audience's concerns regarding injustice, hypocrisy, and the abuse of power.